CHIEF EDITOR'S REPORT
January 2003

First, I would like to express my thanks to Pujya Swamiji, for his guidance and inspiration, and to the President and trustees of IHRF, for their support and patience; I would like to report that I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The question now is not one of completion of the project; it is one of ensuring the excellence of the product in terms of quality. This will be the major focus of work from now on.

In looking toward the final completion of this Encyclopedia project, we need to view the change that has taken place in the Hindu attitude. The dead weight of subservience, Colonialism, and its dampening impact, that have lasted one thousand years, is being lifted. A fresh breeze is blowing. A spirit of confidence and appreciation is taking over. The contributions of the Hindu Heritage to the enrichment of human culture and civilization are being recognized. The insights and values of the Hindu heritage in the fields of yoga, meditation, reincarnation, astronomy / astrology, and spiritual disciplines have all been and are being sought by people across national and religious borders. Thanks to developments in transportation and communication, and especially in information technology, the whole world has physically become one. It is no more East or West. That long-standing vision of Hinduism that "the human family is one" is now urgently needed in the world. Hinduism knows no boundaries. Because of its dynamism and flexibility, Hinduism makes adjustments to the needs of time, place and circumstances; but the basic principles have remained the same.

There are a number of themes that are extraordinarily contemporary, but were explored by Hindu sages thousands of years ago. Some of them are profoundly significant, and are necessary in the 21st century also. Some of them are: i) the study of the inner world with a scientific outlook; ii) yoga and meditation as cardinal spiritual disciplines; iii) the multiplicity of valid paths to Truth through all the world religions; iv) the viability and necessity of the use of feminine symbols in the portrayal and worship of the Divine; v) the value of the theory of reincarnation in answering some of life's problems.

Ralph W. Emerson has drawn attention to the significance of Hindu thought, and recommended the youth of this country to read "Hindu books". Other influential leaders, who derived inspiration from the "Hindu Books" were Thomas Jefferson, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood, Wifred C. Smith, Houston Smith, etc.

Advances in quantum physics and in bio-chemistry have made many scientists realize the limitations of empirical science; some have turned to Vedanta, which not only satisfies the highest intellectual needs but also comprehends the transcendental truth. Science is open- minded; so is Vedanta. Science does not go by prejudices and partialities; so also is Vedanta. Science is proof oriented; so is Vedanta. Science is experimental; so is Vedanta. Science, however, is limited to investigations of the outer world, while Vedanta investigates, with appropriate methodologies, the inner world as well.

Certain presuppositions developed in Western scholarship and study of religion, are not helpful in understanding Hinduism. They give rise to some irrelevant questions, such as: Who is the founder of Hinduism? When did it begin? Who is the Head of Hindu ecclesiastical system? What is Hindu creed? What are the dogmas to which are mandatory for Hindus? How strong is Hindu missionary movement? Even today, a majority of people, in this and some other countries, have difficulty appreciating a religion that has no creed, no missionary history, no mandatory dogmas, no single founder, and in fact no historical event that marks its beginning.

Western valuation of progress and modernity creates difficulties in undestanding Hinduism. Industrialization, mechanization, westernization, rationalization etc., do not necessarily constitute modernity. Mahatma Gandhi said that sarvodaya, the development and fulfillment of all persons and all dimensions of each person, is modernity. The application of Western categories of polytheism and idolatry have resulted in misconceptions of Hindu thought and practice. Hindu texts clearly present the absolute Oneness of Brahman or Isvara as infinite, and one without a second. Obviously, there is failure in communicating Hindu thought properly. We cannot just blame others; we have to take care of it. To remove these misconceptions, an authentic and valid source of ready reference is needed. The Encyclopedia will go a long way in setting the record straight.

Hinduism has the resources to provide solutions to religious conflicts, which have torn the world into pieces. The approach of Hinduism offers a perspective and knowledge that can lead people into harmonious relations in the new millennium.

In order for the Encyclopedia to accomplish these objectives, it must be of the highest quality. Every article must be of the highest standards of scholarship, carefully researched and presented. They must also all meet the strictest literary standards in their writing and editing. We must build our reputation for quality with every article. Our presentations must stand meaningfully in the academic world. If the work is not of the highest quality, the work will not be purchased and will never reach the readers.

Finally, please permit me to say a word about my personal matters. Because of my age and domestic conditions, I am unable to travel too much. I used to go to India twice a year. But now I am required to cut down on travel. However, I will undertake a journey to India shortly to introduce Mr. Mahalingum to a group of selected scholars and set up copy and substance editing units, giving them orientation in substance and copy editing as well as in the writing of encyclopedia articles.